In honor of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is continuing its support of
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their
communities, by providing $60,000 to five HBCUs as well as the Tom Joyner Foundation.

"For the third year, we're so glad to partner with Toyota Financial Services in supporting the vision of HBCUs," said Thomas Joyner, Jr., President and CEO of the Foundation. "These scholarships are an important investment in these schools, and are critical in helping students pursue their dreams."

TFS is donating an additional $10,000 to support the Tom Joyner Foundation,
as well. The foundation provides academic support, scholarships, and
programming to over 80 HBCUs in the Southern and Eastern United States.
The overall goal of these contributions is to support educational
opportunities within many of the communities in which TFS operates.

"Education should be
accessible to all – but many talented young minds are unable to complete
their college education and realize their full potential because of the
lack of financial aid," said Mike Groff,
TFS president and CEO. "In keeping with TFS' deeply held commitment to
diversity and inclusion, we are honored to support the mission of HBCUs
and help these students reach their academic and professional
aspirations."

The college graduation rate
for African-American students in the U.S. stands at 42%, as opposed to
62% for their white counterparts. (1) Financial support of universities is key in black student retention, thereby producing high graduation rates.

"Dr. King's dream included
the belief that young people should be given an opportunity to receive
the best education possible," said John Ridgeway,
TFS Corporate Manager of TFS' Customer Service Center in Maryland. "As
a Toyota executive and an HBCU alumnus, I am proud to see Toyota
Financial Services supporting these fine institutions and advocating
higher education within our communities."

"Financial support has become an area of critical need for a growing number of HBCUs," added Al Smith,
TFS Group Vice President, Service Operations and Corporate Planning.
"Providing this support not only keeps students on track, but
contributes to the sustainment of these HBCUs and helps them address the
issues that impact student retention."

TFS has been named a DiversityInc Top 50 company for the past nine years in a row, and has been consistently recognized by Black Enterprise, Hispanic Business, and the Human Rights Campaign as a Best Company for Diversity and one of the Best Places to Work.
TFS has provided millions of dollars in scholarships to deserving
students across the nation, its executives actively support and sponsor
the company's many diversity and inclusion initiatives, and its
associates have devoted their time and talents to many meaningful
national- and community-based programs.